The sight and smell of plump bulbs is enough to send gardeners into a giddy excitement. To handle those lovely rounded bulbs, papery skins, silky smooth beneath, hefting them for weight, not to mention that slightly soapy smell, it is little wonder that the annual arrival of the new bulbs is so keenly awaited.

Every garden should have a complement of bulbs planted each autumn. More than any other kind of plant, bulbous flowers are the mainstay of the spring garden. A wide range of bulbs is offered — crocuses, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and smaller bulbs such as chionodoxa, scilla, eranthis and Anemone blanda (left).

The latter is not a true bulb but grows from a knobbly black tuber. It is very easy to grow, thriving when naturalised in partial shade, even in sparse grass and dry conditions. Its daisy-like flowers in various shades of blue, or white, are very pretty and make a good contrast for yellow flowers of other spring bulbs.

All kinds can be planted now, the sooner the better. Bulbs perform best from an early planting, making extensive root growth within a short time while the soil is still warm. Prepared hyacinths for Christmas and the new year need to be potted up by the middle of the month for best results.